THE LEGALITY and circumstances of the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte will continue to be challenged both inside the court and in the streets. Regardless of how the Supreme Court decides, the ultimate question that begs to be answered is: Should the former President be held accountable for his actions during his tenure as Davao City Mayor and later as President of the Republic?
On many occasions, the former President himself stated that he assumes full legal and moral responsibility. For instance, during a Senate probe in October 2024, he said under oath: “I and I alone take full legal, moral responsibility for all that the police did pursuant to my order. I will take responsibility and I will be jailed (emphasis supplied), not the police who only followed my orders”. He also acknowledged the campaign’s imperfections, saying, “For all of its successes and mistakes — it was not a perfect one. There were many mistakes. Maybe there were a lot of crimes”. However, Duterte never recognized the ICC. Duterte taunted the ICC, using profanity-laden speeches to challenge its authority and even withdrew the Philippines from the ICC’s founding treaty.
In my humble opinion, former President Rodrigo Duterte should be held accountable for his actions during his tenure. Accountability is not just a principle; it is the cornerstone of democracy and justice. It ensures that leaders act in the best interest of their people and face consequences when they fail to do so.
Duterte’s administration was marked by controversial policies, particularly the war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths. While some argue that these measures were necessary to curb crime, the human cost and allegations of extrajudicial killings cannot be ignored. Justice demands that these actions be thoroughly investigated and, if found unlawful, appropriately addressed.
However, there are those who hold a different perspective. Among my kasambahays and even among close friends and relatives, supporters of Duterte argue that his policies, though harsh, were effective in addressing the country’s drug problem and improving public safety. They believe that his strong-handed approach was a necessary response to a deeply entrenched issue that previous administrations failed to tackle. A normally soft-spoken former high school classmate denounced Duterte’s arrest as ‘kidnapping’. For them, holding Duterte accountable could be seen as undermining the progress made during his presidency and as a politically motivated act rather than a pursuit of justice.
Recent data show a different perspective. A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in February 2025 revealed that 51% of Filipinos believe Duterte should be held accountable for the drug-related killings during his administration. This majority reflects a growing demand for justice and accountability, even among those who may have once supported his leadership. The survey also highlighted regional variations, with the strongest support for accountability coming from the Visayas at 62%.
Accountability is not about political vendettas; it is about upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no one is above it. It is about giving voice to the victims and restoring faith in the institutions meant to protect them. As citizens, we must demand transparency and justice, not just for the sake of the present but to set a precedent for future leaders.
The path to accountability is challenging, but it is essential for the health of our democracy. It is a call to action for all Filipinos to stand united in the pursuit of justice and truth. (totingbunye2000@gmail.com)/PN
